Abstract: An uncorrelated Michelson interferometer is formed with single mode optical fiber. In a first embodiment, light is transmitted into an optical 3 dB coupler, and split into a transmission down a first optical fiber and transmission down a second, significantly longer second optical fiber. In the disclosed embodiment, the second optical fiber path may be several meters, and even hundreds of meters longer than that of the first fiber optic path. The light at the ends of the respective first and second fiber optic paths is reflected back into the single mode optical fiber, and coupled in the optical coupler. In the first embodiment, since the second fiber optic is relatively long, an unknown amount of rotation of the polarization would otherwise occur. Thus, a polarization controller is used to control the polarization in the longer, second optical fiber such that a maximum signal is output from the optical coupler.

Abstract: Methods for analyzing polarization mode dispersion of an optical device is provided. Various desired qualities of the device, including position dependent optical and physical qualities, can be determined. Experimental wavelength-dependent PMD data are provided that characterizes the entire optical device. The experimental data are Fourier transformed and an experimental Fourier transform is constructed. A theoretical Fourier transform is calculated and fit to the experimental transform by varying at least one parameter. Based on the fit parameters, one or more qualities, including a PMD profile of the device, can be determined. An apparatus for use with this method is also provided.